SUICIDE

The California legislature has passed, and the governor has signed an “End of life Act” legalizing assisted suicide. On the same day it was signed the Southern Medical Journal published a study connecting physician-assisted suicide with an increase in overall suicide rates. Since assisted suicide became legal in Washington and Oregon there has been a 6 percent increase in overall suicides and a 14 percent increase for persons over 65.

This rate does not include nearly 900 physician-assisted suicides. Oregon’s suicide rate is 41 percent higher than the national average. Aaron Daniel Kheriaty, a medical ethicist with the University of California, Irvine explains, “Once you introduce suicide as a reasonable way out for some, that message is heard by everyone. … Restrictions become arbitrary and it becomes a slippery slope.”

The Christian message that the Lord is with us and will never leave us needs to be heard. Even in the midst of seemingly too great to be handled problems, the message shouts, “do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.” —Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

Mary Jackson, “In God’s hands,” World, January 23, 2016 p. 45-47

Deuteronomy 31:8 (HCSB) The LORD is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”